A $33 million, 220,000-square-foot building planned south of Western Gateway Park is still looking for investors.

Last year, architect Jeffrey Morgan and three partners announced they plan on building Opus_001, a mixed-use building aimed at young, creative professionals. Morgan said they’re still working toward securing an equity partner and have an initial commitment from a bank for financing.

“We’re continuing on pre-sales and hope to be in construction this year,” he said. “I have great confidence in the market in Des Moines and the growth in the future.”

The project is expected to house 96 residential units, 60,000 square feet of commercial office and retail space and 113 parking spaces. Once financing is secured, Morgan said it will take approximately 18 months to complete construction. Morgan added that it is a slow time but he is glad to see more development in the downtown area.

“Seeing more development happening in the Gateway [Park] area is always positive for us,” he said.

A site plan for the project was approved by the Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission on May 17, 2007.